Eligibility issue unrelated to boosters, agents or recruitment

The sophomore defensive tackle was announced with the starting lineup,but the University Athletic Association released a statement moments before kickoff.

"We have declared Sharrif Floyd ineligible and he is not eligible to compete until his eligibility is reinstated by the NCAA," the statement reads. "We have been and will continue to work with the NCAA until this matter is resolved. This is an issue that is not related to sports agents, University of Florida boosters or his recruitment to Florida. We will not have any additional comments on this matter until it is resolved."

Floyd was the top defensive tackle in the class of 2010 and was expected to play for the Gators at end and tackle this season. Floyd was on the sidelines in a jersey and shorts for the game. In his place, the Gators started senior Willie Green at defensive end alongside Jaye Howard and sophomore Dominique Easley.

Underclassmen in the secondary: The Gators started two freshmen (cornerback Marcus Roberson and safety De'Ante Saunders) in the secondary for the first time in school history.

Along with the two freshmen, Florida also started two sophomores in the secondary: safety cornerback Cody Riggs, who played with Roberson in high school at Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, and safety Matt Elam.

Transfer starts on line: Dan Wenger, a sixth-year senior who transferred from Notre Dame during the summer, started at left guard Saturday. Wenger suffered two concussions while at Notre Dame and was not cleared to play there, causing him to transfer to Florida, where he was reunited with Gators offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and offensive line coach Frank Verducci.

The other starters on the line were Xavier Nixon at left tackle, Jonotthan Harrison at center, Jon Halapio at right guard and Chas Green at right tackle.

Florida's stingy defense: The Gators did not allow the Owls to get a first down until there was 3:30 remaining in the second quarter. Florida held FAU to 62 total yards in the first half.

Gators in orange: Florida wore orange jerseys with orange helmets in coach Will Muschamp's debut. It marked the first time since last season's 33-29 home loss to LSU. Prior to that, the last time Florida wore orange jerseys was in 1989, when running back Emmitt Smith was still playing for the Gators.

Sturgis' long field goal: Kicker Caleb Sturgis drilled a 51-yard field goal for the Gators' first points of the season. It marked the third time in Sturgis' career that he made a field goal of 50 yards or more.

Backup sees field early: Freshman backup quarterback Jeff Driskel, who was rated the No. 1 passer in the nation coming out of Oviedo's Hagerty High, saw his first action in the second quarter with the Gators leading 24-0. Driskel scrambled for five yards on his first play before throwing an interception two plays later.

Change of officials: Hubert Owens, who was scheduled to referee Saturday's game, fell ill on his way to Gainesville. Because there were no other available officials on the Southeastern Conference active list, SEC Coordinator of Officials Steve Shaw replaced Owens in Saturday's officiating crew.